Novice School Principals in Education and Their Experiences of Pedagogical Leadership in Practice

Abstract

School leadership is found important for school development and student learning. Consequently, the interest in professional leadership education for principals has increased. In Sweden, professional leadership education for novice principals was made mandatory in 2010. Moreover, enhanced focus on leadership for teaching and learning in terms of 'pedagogical leadership' is highly topical. This study aims to deepen our knowledge of novice principals' experiences of pedagogical leadership practices and relate these to their paths toward principalship. The study follows a qualitative and situated design and adopts a practice-based approach. Observations were conducted in the educational and workplace practices of novice principals in Sweden and interviews were conducted with principals and teachers. Using a conceptual framework of Wenger (1998), the analyses show that principals experience challenges concerning pedagogical leadership if their competence and experience are not aligned with practice and context. This mismatch seems to impair their pedagogical leadership practice. In addition, a lack of leadership experience obstructs their learning in the professional leadership education for principals.

Novice School Leaders’ Turnover Intentions: The Role of Working Conditions and Organizational Factors

“…Results of this study indicate that which school leaders that want to leave their job, from an organizational point of view, depends on what actor that can provide sufficient prerequisites and reduce ambiguity in the organization. This implies that it is not the public or private organization per se that fuels turnover intention and turnover but their inner structure and how it is personalized for the needs of the specific school leader (Jerdborg, 2023). Additionally, the results suggest that having clear and welldefined prerequisites and reducing ambiguity can have a positive impact on reducing turnover intention and promoting job satisfaction.…”